What you'll get from this guide
- 5-step post-job review automation workflow you can set up today
- Copy-paste SMS and email scripts for requesting reviews
- Timing rules and response templates to turn 5-star reviews into a growth engine
You have 23 Google reviews. Your competitor down the street has 247. You're a better company — but they look like the safer choice to a homeowner searching "HVAC near me" at 10pm with no heat.
The gap isn't quality. It's systems. Companies with 200+ reviews aren't better at HVAC — they're better at asking. Here's the exact automation that closes the gap in 90 days.
Why Google Reviews Are the #1 Growth Lever for HVAC
93%
of consumers read reviews before choosing an HVAC company
3.5x
more clicks for businesses with 50+ reviews vs under 10
$2,800
average lifetime value of a customer who found you via Google reviews
72%
of homeowners won't call an HVAC company with fewer than 4.0 stars
The 3-Minute Window: When to Ask for a Review
Most HVAC companies ask for reviews days or weeks later — by then, the emotional high is gone. The best time to trigger a review request is within 3 minutes of the customer confirming satisfaction.
0 min
Tech completes job, walks customer through what was done
1 min
Tech asks: 'Is everything working perfectly? Anything else I can help with?'
2 min
Customer confirms satisfaction → Tech taps 'Job Complete' in app
3 min
Automated SMS arrives: 'Thanks! Would you share your experience? [Google review link]'
The Automated Review Request Workflow
Trigger on Job Completion
When a tech marks a job complete in the app, the system waits 3 minutes then sends an SMS with a direct Google review link. No manual action needed.
Send Follow-Up Email (24 Hours)
If no review is left, an email arrives the next day with the tech's name, job summary, and review link. 'Mike fixed your furnace yesterday — he'd love a quick review.'
Final Touch (7 Days)
One last gentle SMS: 'Hi [Name], if you're happy with our service, a Google review helps us serve more families like yours: [link]'. Stop after this — never send more than 3 asks.
Monitor & Respond Within 24 Hours
Set up Google review alerts. Respond to every review — positive and negative — within 24 hours. This signals to Google that you're an active business.
Copy/Paste: Review Request SMS & Email Templates
IMMEDIATE SMS (3 min after job complete) "Hi [Name], thanks for choosing [Company]! If [Tech Name] took great care of you today, would you share a quick review? It takes 30 seconds: [Google review link]" FOLLOW-UP EMAIL (24 hours later) Subject: How did [Tech Name] do? "Hi [Name], [Tech Name] serviced your [AC/furnace] yesterday. We hope everything is working perfectly! If you have 30 seconds, a Google review helps small businesses like ours: [link]. Thank you!" FINAL SMS (7 days later) "Hi [Name], we loved serving you! If you're happy with our work, a quick Google review helps us reach more families: [link]. Thanks either way!"
Want this running automatically?
ServiceHub automates follow-ups, reminders, and booking confirmations so nothing falls through the cracks.
Copy/Paste: Review Response Templates
5-Star Response
"Thank you so much, [Name]! We're thrilled [Tech Name] took great care of you. Your recommendation means the world to our team. We look forward to keeping your home comfortable for years to come!"
4-Star Response
"Thanks for the review, [Name]! We're glad we could help. If there's anything that would make your experience a 5-star one, please let us know — we're always looking to improve. Call us anytime at [phone]."
Negative Review Response
"Hi [Name], thank you for your honest feedback. We're sorry your experience didn't meet our standards. I'd like to personally make this right — could you call me directly at [phone]? I'm [Owner Name], the owner, and I want to understand what happened. We take every customer's experience seriously."
5 Review Mistakes HVAC Companies Make
Asking too late
Automate the ask within 3 minutes of job completion. Emotion fades fast.
Making it hard to leave a review
Use a direct Google review link (not your Google Business page). One tap to the review form.
Not responding to reviews
Respond to EVERY review within 24 hours. Google's algorithm rewards engagement.
Ignoring negative reviews
A well-handled negative review actually builds trust. Show you care publicly, resolve privately.
Offering incentives for reviews
This violates Google's terms and can get your profile suspended. Never offer discounts or gifts for reviews.
Review Performance: Automated vs Manual HVAC Companies
| Metric | Manual Asking | Automated System |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews per month | 2-5 | 15-30 |
| Average rating | 4.3 stars | 4.7 stars |
| Response rate to requests | 5-10% | 20-35% |
| Time spent managing | 3-5 hours/week | 15 min/week |
| Google ranking impact | Minimal | Top 3 local pack |
How ServiceHub Helps You Earn More Reviews
ServiceHub collects reviews privately first, runs AI sentiment analysis, and only sends happy customers to your Google review page.
- Automatic Email After Job Completion: When a job is marked complete, ServiceHub waits a configurable delay (default 24 hours) then emails the customer a private review form — automatically.
- Private Review First: Customers leave their rating and feedback on your internal form. This lets you catch issues privately before they go public.
- AI Sentiment Analysis: Every submitted review is analyzed by AI for sentiment, themes, and flags. Positive reviews get routed to your Google (or any third-party) review page.
- Smart Routing: Only satisfied customers see your public review links. Unhappy ones get flagged for your team to address first — before any damage goes public.
?FAQ: HVAC Google Reviews
How many Google reviews does an HVAC company need?▼
Can I ask customers to leave Google reviews?▼
Should I respond to negative reviews?▼
What's the best time to send a review request?▼
How do I get a direct Google review link?▼
Turn Every Job into a 5-Star Review
ServiceHub automates your review requests on job completion. More reviews, better ranking, no awkward asking.